Tuesday, 31 March 2015

Sometimes mothers and
daughters don’t bond from the outset. So it is with Alice Angel and her strict
mother Temperance, who is from humble origins and wife of the very wealthy Alfred.

It
is 1848 and sixteen-year-old Alice, a rebellious and spirited teenager, is trapped
in an unloving Victorian home with a mother who punishes her cruelly. When the
book opens, the girl is strapped by the wrists overnight in her bed because she
did not want to sleep in her tight corset. Papa, whom Alice loves, is
often absent on business but weak when it comes to dealing with his beautiful
wife. Alice’s brother Eli sides with their mother who adores him -- until a
dramatic turn of events.

Escaping one day from home,
Alice witnesses an enigmatic, charismatic man preaching in town. She feels
strangely drawn to him, but later at home events conspire against her even more
when there is an unexpected family tragedy. En route in a carriage to the
madhouse, Alice escapes and eventually finds herself in the community run by
the preacher who is always referred to as ‘The Beloved’. At first she feels
free and happy but things are to change to such an extent she does not know
where to turn.

Sometime it is difficult to
find sympathy for Alice as she reacts angrily to situations, but who knows how
one might act given such a restrictive life as hers? Certainly her mother comes
across as a selfish, self-centred and vicious woman whose aim in life is to fit
into the upper echelons of society. The Beloved explores what
freedom and friendship mean and how manipulative people can behave when their
wants are not met. Full of drama – sometimes melodrama – this easy to read,
well-plotted and fast-paced novel is recommended for young adult (and older)
readers.

Monday, 30 March 2015

This is Captain
Cook
by Tania McCartney, illustrated by Christina
Booth (NLA
Publishing)

HC RRP $24.99

ISBN 9780642278692

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

Two highly talented artists have collaborated to
create this entertaining and educational picture book for the 3+ year age
group. It’s totally captivating from cover-to-cover. The end pages display the
chickens from the story accompanied by clever captions. Every page is a new
discovery. I loved it! This is another outstanding production from the National
Library of Australia.

Mrs Batts’ class is presenting a play on the life of
Captain James Cook; from his boyhood on the farm (lots of chickens and two goats
are included in the show) to when he sailed away to Hawaii never to return. The
story concentrates on his life as mariner, father and adventurer.

For me there were several parts to applaud in this
stunning picture book (the comedy of chickens was an added novelty). The
delightful, light-hearted text by Tania McCartney sets the mood. Christine
Booth’s brilliant detailed illustrations activate the art show.

The story begins with ceaseless activity taking
place on the stage. Chickens run amok as children try to catch them with nets.
A cast of children act out their parts as they wave to parents in the audience.
Everyone is having tremendous fun.

The first image of the audience shows the parents
arriving, greeting each other, and the show starting. This is all in colour.

On the following pages, the images of the audience
are shadows. Parents share whispered conversation. Babies babble. One baby is
thinking of the toy it has dropped. Another has fallen asleep in its mother’s
arms. This is where a second story seems to appear, trying not to obscure the
stage play, but demanding attention none-the-less.

There is doubt as to how much the parents are taking
in of the actual show, for many are distracted by the few children chasing and
trying to catch those elusive chickens.

I was impressed by the amount of interaction the
book engendered. I had to look carefully time and again, to fully absorb the
volume of information contained on each page. This guarantees that children
will discover new things each time they open the covers. The rich content will
generate questions and answers between adult and child.

At the end is a double page spread with illustrated
frames identical to the images in Cook’s Gallery. More information can be
accessed along with maps and journals through the NLA on-line.

Sunday, 29 March 2015

Seven
year old twins Tommy and Coop are known for their love of pulling pranks. They collect all sorts of
gadgets from a joke shop and use them to play tricks on their family, friends
and class mates. But on a school excursion to the museum with Mr. Crotchet, the
boys know they will have little opportunity for pranks. The button and knot
exhibition is shaping up to be as boring as they expected until they see a sign
which reads "Dinosaur Danger! Do Not Enter." Maybe there is a way to
pull the best prank ever? Or will they get pranked themselves?

Double
Trouble is a
new Australian series for boys, pitched to the five plus beginner readers
market. The boys are cheeky, funny and full of surprises. Each title is slim,
with short chapters, large font, easy words and plenty of pictures.

Louis
Shea is well-known for illustrating many children's picture books and this
series features his humorous illustrations and expressive characters which
emphasise the naughtiness and boy humour throughout.

Tommy
and Coop are identical twins. They are very excited as school camp is coming up
and these seven year olds know it will be a fabulous opportunity for pulling
pranks. They have been to Joking Jo's, their favourite joke shop, for supplies
and are ready to pull off some of their best pranks. The only problem is that
they have promised Mum and Dad they will behave on camp and not prank anyone.

These
cheeky brothers, who have never let something like this stand in their way,
work out a way to get around the consequences of breaking their promise (or so
they think) and soon there is mayhem at midnight.

But the
pranks always get the boys into trouble. And every now and then, they may even
be out-pranked.

This new
Australian series is well suited to young boys who love an entertaining prank
and cheeky fun. The structure and text of the story make this a good series for
beginner readers while the entertaining and funny illustrations add to the
appeal of these stories, enhancing the 'boy humour' throughout.

Friday, 27 March 2015

I enjoyed everything about this book from the
factual storyline crafted with perfect prose, to the outstanding characters -
both bad and good. All my senses stood at attention from the first page to the
last. Right from the beginning, a strong sense of time, place, and social
conditions is projected.

It is 1934 in Albury situated on the border of NSW
and Victoria. Ten year old Jack is passionate about and well-versed on the
subject of planes and the history of aviation. When the Great Centenary Air
Race from Britain to Melbourne is announced, all he wants is go to Melbourne to
see the planes come in. His father, ‘the Voice of the ABC’, is calling the
race. It is a time of great adventure and achievement, but also of great
poverty due to unemployment.

Mac Robertson, the chocolate king, announces a free
trip to Melbourne. The winner must collect the marked wrappers from Cherry Ripe
that spell out ‘Centenary Air Race’. Jack sees winning the competition as his
only chance of getting to Melbourne.

Jack’s heartbreaking experience with the town’s
bully and his stash of wrappers is one of the many sub-stories that make this
book so fantastic. Seamlessly knitted to Jack’s story are the disastrous events
that cause the Uiver to be blown off
course during a fierce storm. Subtly sifted into that is the conflict that
occurs in Jack’s father’s working life. This is juxtaposed with his courageous
actions that save the plane and crew, and put Albury on the map.

Loretta Re has written a powerful fictional account
of a great Australian historical event in such a way, that it is impossible to
put the book down. It has so many themes threaded through it that I’m unable to
list them all. The writing is full of vivid scenes, and not a single
unnecessary word exists anywhere.

I haven’t been so completely absorbed in a book, or
enjoyed one so much, in the longest time. It is aimed at the 8-12 age groups
but has everything readers of any age want from a story.

Thursday, 26 March 2015

There are many definitions of Home. There are also
many places to call home. It might be in a house on wheels, a city underwater,
a hollow in a tree, a large apartment building or a tiny house. There are so
many options to claim. Don’t forget that there was on old woman who lived in a
shoe. There’s one in this book too, along with all her children.

In Home, Carson
Ellis’ first complete book, we are introduced to the many places people and
animals call their home. She examines the what, who and why of homes around the
world, and the different types of living arrangements that depend on climate
and country, lifestyle and affordability.

Ellis’ exquisite style and colour choice for her
illustrations accentuates her clever and minimal use of words. Darker shades
are used than are normally found in children’s books, but this choice serves
the theme and text well. There is a large amount of visual information to be
found in the illustrations. This book is ideal for an adult to share with a
child of 3+, for questions and discussion will be born from the detailed
images. It is also a stimulating book for children to imagine and create their own
stories with, simply from the illustrations alone.

Whether it is a nest, a boat or a wigwam, a palace,
the home of a Japanese businessman, or a Slovakian duchess, home is where you
live and are happy.

Wednesday, 25 March 2015

Nanna’s Stormwas
Indigenous author and painter Vicki Griffin’s first book. This is her second
and certainly not her last, for her heritage inspires her artistic expression.

The
four children are sent off to Nanna’s boot camp. They expect an adventure but
don’t know what they will experience. Here boot camp takes on a new
meaning. A huge boot hangs against the wind at the doorstep. Other dirty boots
are piled up outside the tent. What does all this mean? Who owns these boots?

Nanna
and the mob wade into the creek. The net comes up full of prawns. They cook
them over a campfire and the tale of the boots is heard.

Uncle
Joe arrives minus one boot. He claims the other from the wind and hook, and
also catches his dinner of prawns. But he comes out minus his boots. They will
now wait in the water for the dry season. Another pair of boots is added to the
creek by Jacob. Now two pairs of boots await the dry season. That means a return
to Nanna’s boot camp.

This simple tale incorporates so much. It talks of
family and love, sharing of oral traditions over campfires with the younger
mob, and a sense of place and belonging. All this is told in picture book form in
a fun-loving way for the 5+ years’ age group.

Tuesday, 24 March 2015

The Last Thirteen Book 11:3 by James Phelan (Scholastic AustraliaPB RRP $14.99

ISBN 978-1-74283-194-7

Reviewed by Jenny Heslop

13 books. 13 nightmares. 1 destiny.

In
this, the eleventh instalment of the globetrotting, action packed adventureThe Last Thirteen, Sam finds
himself searching for the next Dreamer and her gear in the Australian
Outback. The eleventh
Dreamer is someone Sam knows well and this time, in the search which takes him
below Uluru, Stella and Solaris are hot on his heels and closer than they have
ever been. After losing a friend in the most recent stage of the search, Sam is
determined not to lose another in Australia. It will take great skill by Sam
and the Dreamers to manipulate their own dreams to keep their enemies at bay
and win the gear for themselves.

Meanwhile,
captured by pirates, Alex, Hans and Dr Kader have their own battle to win
before they can continue on their quest. Alex's relief at being rid of these
pirates cannot quite overcome his anxiety about Han's true motivations towards
Antarctica, the next gear and the Dreamgate.

Shiva
discovers that Stella's headquarters are at the nuclear disaster site of
Chernobyl in the Ukraine, so Lora, Xavier and a team of the remaining loyal
guardians plan to storm the hideout. But is this a trap set by their enemies?

Once
again the three storylines are told in alternating chapters, sometimes
intersecting, but always thrilling and integral to the central plot. The closer
we get to the end of the race, the more intense and nail biting the adventure
gets.

With
only two more instalments to go, readers (10+) will be reaching for the next in
the series without pausing for breath.

Monday, 23 March 2015

Imagine
a train to take you away is the first line in a beautifully magical journey into a land of
fantasy. The words are few, just a sentence to every double page, but deeply
evocative, ‘A world without edges’. Each sentence stands alone, and is
part of the bigger picture of the story. If you take the text alone, it is a lovely
poem.

The
black and white illustrations are stunning. They draw the reader even further
into a fantastical place, where bears hold up bridges, paintings do not end at
their frames, fish fly through the sky carrying passengers and stories escape
from the pages of books. Among the
whimsical fantasy of the story are a boy, a girl and their mother, whose
appearance on each page gives a consistency and solidity to a story which
otherwise may have flown away.

Along with
the juxtaposition of real and imaginary, are the contrasted concepts of past
and present, large and small.

There is
so much to see in every wonderful picture. This story will engage and expand
the imagination of readers, boys and girls, from three to adults.

Sunday, 22 March 2015

The Death of the
Hat: A Brief History of Poetry in 50 Objectsselected by Paul B. Janeczko, illustrated by Chris
Raschka (Walker Books)

HC RRP $24.95

ISBN 9780763669638

Reviewed by Anastasia Gonis

This stunning collection follows the evolution of
poetry through time and objects. The introduction gives an historical overview
of the changing periods of poetry. Beginning from the Early Middle Ages,
400-1000 and ending in Contemporary times, a great many objects are used as a
single theme or themes in every poem.

Great preparation and research has been conducted to
compile these 77 pages of poems by a variety of authors from all over the
world. Included are Rumi, Edgar Allan Poe, Shakespeare, Sylvia Plath, William
Wordsworth, Robert Burns, Tennyson, and many that are not well known names, but
whose poetry is highly commendable.

As in all collections, there are always poems that
stand out from the others for some related reason or other. The Death of the Hat by Billy Collins,
which comes close to the end and is the title poem, is clever and
thought-provoking. It speaks of times past and habits lost. Stick and Hat by Emporer Le Thanh Tong
from the Renaissance Period offers wisdom and insight into the use of two
common objects and their versatility. Boxes and Bags by Carl Sandberg, Mushrooms by Sylvia Plath, and An Hymn to the Evening by Phillis
Wheatley are also poems I’ve chosen for
their specific messages.

Readers will find their own favourites and perhaps
all the poems will fall under this heading for some. No poetry enthusiast will
be disappointed with the selection Paul B. Janeczko has chosen. Illustrations
in watercolour and ink support each poem and add beauty to the rhyming and non-rhyming verse presented in this production for the 8+ age group (which includes
adults of course).

Saturday, 21 March 2015

In late 2012, Australia and
India were rocked by violent crimes against young women. In Delhi, thousands
protested against rape. In Melbourne, thousands stood vigil in memory of a
young woman raped and murdered while walking home. The fate of all young women,
what they should fear and what they can hope for, were hot topics in the media
around the world. Out of that storm rose the idea for this anthology. (From the introduction)

To see a collection such as this, written specifically
for young people with its feminist message by contemporary authors who crossed
cultural boundaries and set in exciting
alternate and dystopian worlds and different realties hit all the right notes
for me.

The anthology includes seventeen works of fiction,
including a play and six graphic stories written by twenty-two authors and
illustrators and set in dystopian or fantasy worlds and sometimes in distant
galaxies.

Contributors were given the added challenge of working
in collaboration with a partner from the other country on which they give an
insight in brief notes at the back of the book.

My favourite stories include ‘Cast Out’ by Samhita
Arni, ‘Cat Calls’by Margo Lanagan
and ‘Memory Lace’ by Payal Dhar; I also was immersed in the graphic story by
Isobelle Carmody through the illustrative style of Prabha Mallya. In 'Cast Out', girls showing signs of magic, even in
self-defence, are cast off in the ocean to die a gruesome death. The main
character also finds herself in this position, and what she finds will change
her life as much as it has been saved.

Reading the inspiration behind the story
which was based on conversations between Samhita Arni and her Australian
counterpart, Alyssa Brugman, on feminism and consumerism gave an insight into
how this story came to be. Brugman’s story ‘Weft’ is a very different, thought-provoking
story showing the main character’s reflections while she is in the process of
buying a full head of hair.

This is a strong contender for my favourite anthology
of the year!

Yvonne Mes is a children's author. Her first
picture book, Meet
Sidney Nolan (Random House) is scheduled
for release in October 2015. www.yvonnemes.com

Friday, 20 March 2015

The Spires of
Kurrong
is a sci-fi/fantasy novel aimed at the YA market. It is set in an alternative
universe in a continent divided, with a population inhabiting twin domed spires
set atop extinct volcanos. For generations they have been unaware of the
population and happenings on the planet’s surface, led to believe that it is
inhabited by Daemons. However, when doomed lovers Markus and Filona risk
everything for a new life on the surface, they soon uncover more about the two
communities, unravelling everything they have been taught to believe.

The
novel spans some big themes, from race, class, war, morality and the
interesting inclusion of the drug trade, to loyalty and deception. For such an
all-encompassing novel, it feels as though more evocative description is
warranted at times, and there is a lot of telling the reader rather than
showing. The second half of the narrative appears to move at a pace too fast to
really develop some of the new characters who are introduced. Filona appears
frustratingly naïve at times, and it would have been interesting to learn more
about her and the tensions that would inevitably ensue in her and Markus’
relationship, which is glossed over at times. Overall, Wells has created an
ambitious novel with a compelling premise.

Thursday, 19 March 2015

Ed Allen continues his 10 Green Bottles spin-offs with this
title featuring a very wacky bunch of emus. These emus roller-skate, play
musical chairs, visit the zoo and even try to tidy their rooms. One by one,
they drop out of the picture, until only one emu remains. Then they all
reappear for a last sing-a-long. This title has a particularly satisfying
ending.

The emus in this story may be
clumsy but the rhythm and rhyme are not. It is such fun to read this book aloud
and it will be enjoyed, not only by preschoolers, but by their older readers as
well. The words flow and the situations the emus end up in will be recognisable
to all.

Four clumsy emus
tidying their room

Four clumsy emus
tidying their room

And if one
clumsy emu should sneak away too soon,

There’ll be
three clumsy emus tidying their room.

This is the first time I’ve seen
Wendy Binks’ illustrations and her emus are endearing. With their wild
hairstyles and popping eyes they each have a sense of style and personality. It
is easy to follow the fate of a specific emu through the pages. The bold
colours and humour will attract young readers and the front cover gives a
fabulous taste of the emus inside.

Other titles in this series include
10 Funny Sheep,10 Silly Wombats,10 Green
Geckos and many more. These fun books are an entertaining way for young
children to learn their counting – forwards and backwards.

Wednesday, 18 March 2015

Harold &
Grace by written and
illustrated by Sean E Avery (Fremantle Press)

HB RRP $24.99

ISBN 9-781-925-162-295

Reviewed by Neridah McMullin

Harold
& Grace is a beautifully illustrated story about the power of friendship.

After a
terrible storm, one slimy egg and one silky egg survive on a ‘lonely leaf
growing on a tiny tree beside a little pond’. When the
eggs hatch, Harold the tadpole and Grace the caterpillar quickly become
unlikely best friends.

But when
Harold starts to grow fins and spends more time swimming, Grace can’t join in
the fun. Then one day, Harold remembers to visit his old friend at the lonely
leaf, but finds that she’s gone, and only a small, silky sack remains.

Wherever
could Grace be? Harold feels the full impact of his neglect of Grace and how
they had grown apart.

However,
Sean E Avery, cleverly brings them back together in a most humorous and
thoroughly satisfying way.

I can’t help but think how much fun this picture would
be in the classroom for both Pre-School and Primary students, perhaps up to
Year 4 students.

It’s ideal for schools to explore both the
Sustainability cross-curricular priority and Biological Science units. Project
skills can be honed by the children researching the different species of
butterflies and frogs that are native to Australia, as well as gaining an
understanding of the life cycles of a butterflies and frogs. Harold and Grace could easily form
the basis for an integrated learning unit on the theme of ‘ecology’ that could
last an entire term.

The artwork is a humorous fusion of drawing and
digital, the mainstay of colour palette being limited black and white tones
with splashes of colour throughout.

Sean E Avery is a very talented sculptor and artist
and there is no doubt his work is unique.

This is a highly recommended read for pre-school and
middle primary school readers.

Neridah
McMullin is the author of six books for children. Her next book is about a
horse in a bushfire to be published by Allen & Unwin in 2016. Neridah loves
family, footy and doing yoga with her cat Carlos (who also happens to love
footy). www.neridahmcmullin.com. www.neridahmcmullin.wordpress.com

Tuesday, 17 March 2015

Dropping In is such an enjoyable read; I have to admit it had me
from the blurb. From the language to the storyline, it’s a thoroughly satisfying
middle reader.

Sticks
and Ranga live on the same street, go to the same school and love the same
things – skateboarding and PlayStation. When new kid James arrives in his
wheelchair, Sticks isn’t sure they can be friends. But Sticks quickly discovers
they have a lot in common. Cerebral palsy stops James from doing some things
but it hasn’t dulled his sense of humour – and he’s pretty brainy, too. The
only thing James can’t do is join Sticks and Ranga when they go skateboarding –
or can he?

Three
mates, a beat-up old couch, a couple of skateboards and a steep hill … what
could possibly go wrong?

Yes, what
could possibly go wrong? Alarm bells! So, this scenario sets it up beautifully
for an engaging read and you will not be disappointed.

The
skateboard language throughout is accurate and entertaining and Geoff Havel’s
voice is authentic. It does covers some pretty serious issues such asdisability, bullying, ADHD and domestic abuse but
it manages to do it with an honest and engaging narration, keeping the tone
light.

The
characters are original and relatable and it’s one of those stories you just
want to keep on reading.

Dropping In offers
middle-grade readers a fast paced, feel-good introduction to some seriously
important subjects.

This is a highly recommended read for
middle primary school readers.

Neridah
McMullin is the author of six books for children. Her next book is about a
horse in a bushfire to be published by Allen & Unwin in 2016. Neridah loves
family, footy and doing yoga with her cat Carlos (who also happens to love
footy). www.neridahmcmullin.comwww.neridahmcmullin.wordpress.com

Monday, 16 March 2015

An unusual book in
so many ways! A chapter book of over 100 pages is not normally targeted at pre-schoolers
and early primary readers. This is definitely a chapter book for confident,
persistent and independent readers in that age group.

The style is
equally unusual and features significant sections of authorial intrusion via
direct address to the reader from a wise old rabbit narrator. This kind of
feature is not currently in vogue, probably because it needs to be handled with
exceptional humour and subtlety to pass muster with the tech-savvy kids of
today. In addition, the grammar and punctuation surrounding the dialogue, while
not wrong, is certainly different with its frequent run-ons.

Those minor
reservations aside, this is a rabbit-warren of a book that romps along in a
nostalgic style, reminiscent of the golden era of late nineteenth century
children’s literature. The story is perky and unexpected, and follows the
adventures of George and Matilda, who, having encountered Oscar, the son of the
Easter Bunny, are invited to the secret town of Bunny-Hop. Jumping into a bush
and down a dark hole, they come to an old door with an Easter Egg handle.

The Easter Bunny
is crosser than a hot-cross bun when he sees them. Oscar has endangered the
secret location of Bunny-Hop. Worse still, he’s lost the Easter key – the key
that can open any door anywhere to allow the Easter Bunny access to any home to
deliver chocolate eggs.

Oscar denies all
knowledge of the disappearance of the key.

It soon transpires
that a wicked duo of hares want to take over and replace the Easter Bunny with
the Easter Hare.

Will they succeed
in their dastardly scheme? Can Oscar stop them before it’s too late? What role
will George and Matilda play? Why does the fairy helper keep fainting when
she’s needed? And is the secret of Bunny-Hop safe?

For the answers,
turn to Is the Secret Safe? The book also
contains simple recipes. Its lustrous illustrations will appeal to fairy fans.

Sunday, 15 March 2015

Goldilocks wants
to set the record straight. No doubt you’ve heard about the time she was
charged with break and enter, damaging goods and terrorising bears. The story
currently circulating is nothing more than a jumble of half-truths and
distorted rumour.

Here you may judge
the facts for yourself:

Mrs Bear wanted to
spruce up her home in preparation for the visit of her in-laws. The old home
was looking a bit tired and rundown and Mrs Bear hadn’t had time to do it
herself due to a long hibernation. So she hired an interior decorator, Goldie
of Goldie’s Golden Homes, who promised her a golden result.

However, Mrs Bear
was concerned about Mr Bear’s reaction, both to a suddenly golden cottage as
well as the financial cost. She decided the best way to proceed was to present
him with a fait accompli, so she took Mr Bear for a long walk. Once they’d left
Goldie let herself in and set to work. All went well, bar a slight accident or
two, until Mr Bear arrived back unexpectedly just as Goldie was lying down to
check the new mattress she’d bought to help Mr Bear’s bad neck.

Goldie proclaims
her innocence in rhyme all the way through this flamboyantly illustrated
picture book, splashed throughout with bright yellow gold.

Saturday, 14 March 2015

How Santa Arrived at the North
Pole
by Fred Strassberg, illustrated by Graeme Compton (Little Steps Publishing)

PB RRP $14.95

ISBN: 9781925117271

Reviewed by Anne Hamilton

This is an unusual offering for so early in the year — but ready in time
for Christmas in July!

Santa, I learned to my surprise in this illustrated chapter book, had
many difficulties as he began his career in delivering Christmas cheer.

After an aromatic disaster involving sleigh-hauling skunks from the
Catskills, followed by a major miscalculation with their brown bear
replacements, (something to do with winter hibernation), Santa packs up his
toys, his elves and Mrs Claus and relocates from the good ole US of A to
Africa.

Elephants. Large flappy ears. Good for flying. Tick, tick, tick. Yep,
the idea works a treat until they land on the first roof. And there is no more
roof. Not much house, either.

Off to Australia. Kangaroos. A little ripper of an idea. With a bound,
they are off. And all is well until that long hop to England. Santa feels a
little green, instead of red, and throws up indelicately in a fireplace while
delivering gifts.

Back to Africa. It doesn’t take long to decide that crocodiles from the
Nile are a bad idea for hauling sleighs. Camels sound perfect -- until they get
upset, and spit all over Santa.

Finally, Santa lets Mrs Claus loose with a globe. She plunks down her
finger - and the rest, as we all know, is history.

The bright cartoon-like illustrations in this fast-read chapter book
lift the storyline. With a light, deft touch in the grossness stakes, it will
appeal to boys still at the age to enjoy all the farts, vomits and spitting.

Friday, 13 March 2015

How did the cat-and-mouse band come about? How did traditional enemies
overcome their differences and unite in harmony (in more ways than one)?

This is the story of Emilia Mouse who discovered a treasure trove of
musical instruments hidden behind a wall of boxes. Blowing the trumpet, she
awakens the cats that have a hidden sleeping spot in the wall of boxes. With a
flying leap, they’re after Emilia. In desperation, she thrusts the trumpet at
one of the cats who grabs it with his mouth -- and finds fabulous music coming
out. The other cat wants to join in. Soon cats and mice are converging on them
all, wanting to be part of it all. As they pick up the different instruments
and start to play them, Emilia steps forward to lead the band.

This is a warm and attractive hardcover story with eye-catching
illustrations.

Thursday, 12 March 2015

Beginning in Japan, where Sam and Issey were rescued
in dramatic fashion in the last book, the action quickly moves to Cambodia. It
is here Sam has dreamed the tenth Dreamer will be located. It seems that many of
the world’s leaders are now united behind the Dreamers in the race to save the
world, but rather than making the task easier for Sam and his team, the effect
of increased exposure makes it harder for them to move about with the stealth
and speed they need to stay under the radar of Stella, Hans and Solaris.

While Sam and Poh - the tenth Dreamer- evade poachers
and bandits among the ruins of Angkor Wat in the search for the next gear, Alex
is facing problems of his own. Heading for Antarctica with Hans and Dr Kader,
their vessel is under fire, with missiles from an unknown source bearing down
on them.

Meanwhile, it is time for Eva to enter the Dreamer
Doors tournament with Zara and Xavier. Although nervous, Eva has confidence in
her team and her destiny. Once inside the arena, however, it becomes apparent
there is something very wrong. Can she find the right door and escape before it
is too late? Can the rest of her team?

The Last Thirteen has
a serialized story line which does need to be
read in order, from 13 to 1. 4 is therefore the tenth book in this series, and
ends in the customary tense cliff hanger with the knowledge that there are only
14 days left to save the world.

This is an action packed, addictive series for
children 10 years and up. With its strong females characters - heroes and
villains - girls will enjoy it at least as much as boys.

There is also an on-line companion page, www.thelast13.com, with VIP
Access, e-newsletters, access code breakers and many more
features.

Wednesday, 11 March 2015

Convicted
for theft, young Mary Beckworth is transported in 1801, with her mother, to
Australia. A spirited girl, Mary is determined to make the best of her new life
as a convict, whatever obstacles it may bring. Working first on Quaker's Row
sorting fleece, then as a nanny for Judge Atkins, and finally as an assistant
to Commander Baudin on the French exploration ship the Géographe, Mary
overcomes her problems with bravery, level-headed decisions and a warm heart.
She is an interesting and enjoyable character to spend time with.

Whilst
not ignoring the harsh realities of convict life at this time, the story does
not dwell on them. It focuses rather, on the hope and possibilities of Mary's
life, making it a story which is perfectly accessible for readers from middle
primary school and up. Mary’s convict years are during a time of great
exploration and expeditions, the establishment of the growing colony in New
South Wales, and the occasional convict uprising. This is an exciting part of our Australian
history to read about.

The
historical notes at the end of the book give an idea of how much of the story
is fact. Mary Beckworth was a real person in Australian history, as were many
other characters in this story. Most of the events described in her (fictional)
diary, such as the Irish uprising, the tension with France, the attempted
escapes and the return of Judge Atkins' wife, are all based on fact. Actually,
after his wife’s death in 1809, the Judge married Mary's mother, who had been
his housekeeper since 1801.

Written
in diary form in a chatty, intelligent voice, this intimate account is easy to
get caught up in. It covers the years from 1801 to 1803, and incorporates many
aspect of Sydney’s early penal colony. Reading this story, and others like it,
is a great way for children to explore Australia’s historic past.

Other titles in the My Australian Story series include The Hunt for Ned Kelly by Sophie Masson, The Bombing of Darwin by Alan Tucker, Our Don Bradman by Peter Allen, Voyage
to Botany Bay by Chrissie Michaels, The
Phar Lap Mystery by Sophie Masson and many more.